This is the perfect Hong Kong family hike, it's flat and shady and with a fun beach and lunch at the end to reward hungry walkers
Views over High Island reservoir from the hiking trail
High Island, also known as Yau Lei, is located inside the beautiful Sai Kung Country Park in Hong Kong’s New Territories. However, the 'island' moniker is something of a misnomer as the area is in fact linked to the mainland.
Sai Kung to High Island (Yau Lei) is hte perfect Hong Kong hike for kids as it's super easy and by the water for the majority of the hike. There's also the option of a fun speedboat ride home.
Worth noting before you begin planning your day is that Sai Kung Country Park is not accessible to vehicles other than green taxis, unless of course you hold a residents’ car permit.
The drawcard for High Island is its yummy seafood restaurant and stunning scenery. Expect plates filled with noodles, fried rice, steamed fish and seafood, fried tofu and sweet and sour pork and chicken dishes (plus plenty of fries and ice creams for discerning littlies), all overlooking a cute beach and a sheltered bay.
How to reach the start point
The hike begins at the Sai Kung Country Park gates at Pak Tam Chung. There is a car park at Pak Tam Chung Visitor Centre but it fills up quickly on weekends. Alternative options are catching a green taxi or minibus from Sai Kung.
Sai Kung to High Island hike
The hike is around an hour-and-a-half in length and is paved throughout, with some inclines, and is entirely child-friendly. We'd recommend it for kids aged around seven and up. Some sections are unshaded so do top up with sun screen and grab sun hats and caps before you set off.
The first section starts at Sai Kung Country Park Gates and follows the MacLehose Trail Stage One (which is predominantly a tarmac road), meandering alongside High Island Reservoir for around five kilometres until you turn off at the signpost for Pak A village. It's a pretty route with fabulous views over High Island Reservoir to one side and the islands of Kau Sai Chau and Tai Tau Chau in Sai Kung's Port Shelter to the other. If you have children who are resistant to too much hiking, take a green taxi to the Pak A turn-off.
Once you reach the turn-off for Pak A, head down the paved steps and at the bottom take the left fork heading for Tung A.
This gentle, off-road but paved section takes you alongside the water, past Sea Urchin Restaurant and on to the impressive Tin Hau Temple at Leung Shuen Wan. There’s also an abandoned village house on the water’s edge which is worth a look, with trees creeping through the roof and crockery and furniture still in place as nature gradually takes over.
Yau Lei Seafood Restaurant is at the end of the trail and boasts a jetty for jumping off and a small, sandy beach. Don’t forget swimmers and towels.
Getting home
Either hike back the way you came, or book a speedboat or sampan to Sai Kung New Pier through Yau Lei Seafood Restaurant.
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